12 Fascinating Facts About The Perito Moreno Glacier

The Perito Moreno Glacier is a breathtaking sight in Patagonia.  The glacier is located in Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina's southwestern Santa Cruz province.  Perito Moreno is one of the most famous attractions in Argentine Patagonia.

It is essential to remember that glaciers worldwide provide vital nutrients to lakes, rivers, and oceans. The runoff sustains habitats for plants and animals. Glaciers also act as a cooling mechanism by reflecting sunlight.

To get the most out of your visit to Perito Moreno, it is helpful to understand this region’s most famous glacier.

12 Fascinating Perito Moreno Glacier Facts

1.  It is the 3rd largest water reserve on the planet.

Perito Moreno ranks as the third-largest freshwater reserve in the world. This glacier spans 50 km (31 mi) in length and flows into Lake Argentino. Its front stretches approximately 5 km (3 mi) wide and rises 70 m (240 ft) above the water. The glacier's depth reaches 170 m (558 ft). Its surface area slightly exceeds that of the city of Buenos Aires.

2.  Perito Moreno is one of the only glaciers in the world growing rather than retreating.

The fact that the Perito Moreno glacier is still growing is somewhat of a mystery. Glaciers worldwide are retreating. According to peritomorenoglacier.com, specialists have found no reason why the Perito Moreno glacier is not shrinking.

Today, studies continue to investigate why the glacier is growing, and many focus on climate factors. Researchers believe that factors such as location, slope, and shape in the high mountains may all play a role.

3.  It is part of a vast ice field.

The Perito Moreno glacier is one of 49 glaciers that comprise the Southern Patagonian Continental Ice Field.  It is also the third-largest ice field in the world, excluding Antarctica and Greenland.  

An ice field is a large body of ice formed in a high hemisphere and drained by smaller outlet glaciers.  Glaciers are reservoirs of water that are formed by snow that doesn’t melt. 

The Southern Patagonian Ice Field covers 4,773 square miles and is situated between Argentina and Chile.

Like all ice masses worldwide, the Patagonian ice field is no exception to climate change.  Scientists, our biggest allies and guardians of our natural world, are calling for more studies to help protect and better understand the Perito Moreno glacier. 

4.  According to scientific studies, the Perito Moreno Glacier is approximately 18 thousand years old.

The Perito Moreno glacier started forming in the previous ice age.  Scientists estimate the glacier is 18,000 years old. 

According to the website, www.antarticglaciers.org, "Since the end of the Little Ice Age at around 1870 AD, over 90% of Patagonian outlet glaciers have shrunk."

Over the past 40 to 50 years, the pace of ice loss has increased significantly.

5.  Perito Moreno was named after the legendary explorer Francisco Moreno, but a Chilean Navy Captain discovered it.

The Perito Moreno glacier was discovered in 1879 by a Chilean Navy Captain, Juan Tomas Rogers. It was named after the Argentine explorer and academic, Francisco Moreno, who pioneered a study of the glacier in the late 1800s.

6.  You may see some mini-ice ruptures, but major ruptures occur every 2 - 4 years.

March 10, 2016, was the last major ice rupture at the Perito Moreno glacier. Every 2-4 years, the large blue-and-white ice collapses into Lake Argentino below.

In mid-March each year, enthusiasts gather at the glacier to witness the possibility of an ice rupture. Although this phenomenon is unpredictable, recent measurements indicate another major collapse is imminent. Some are even predicting the biggest collapse in 30 years.

7.  Perito Moreno is easily accessible, making it a top-rated destination.

The drive from El Calafate to the Perito Moreno Glacier takes about 1.5 hours by car. The journey to the glacier is beautiful. A drive along the edge of Lake Argentino offers stunning landscape photographs.

Another popular way to reach the glacier is by bus, which departs daily from El Calafate.

Upon arrival, you don't have to walk far to view the glacier. There are about 4.7 km (nearly 3 miles) of walkways in the National Park. There is plenty of room to explore, capture the awe, and take photographs.

8.  You can trek on top of the glacier or explore by boat.

If you have always wanted to trek on top of a glacier, here is your chance. Many excursions and tour groups can take you out on the ice. Tour companies like Viator offer tours and provide all the necessary equipment.

 Kayak and boat tours are also available.

9.  The size of the glacier is enormous!

While the Perito Moreno glacier is the third-largest reservoir globally, it is approximately the 12th-largest glacier worldwide. It is among the largest glaciers in Patagonia.

The glacier's popularity is primarily due to its easy access. Many people can experience seeing a glacier this size up close without much difficulty.

10.  In 1981, it was deemed a UNESCO Heritage Site.

In 1981, UNESCO listed the Perito Moreno Glacier as a place of outstanding value to humanity. This gives us hope for the protection and preservation of this beautiful place for generations to come.

11.  You may not want to venture too close, as over 30 deaths have been reported from the falling of large shards of ice.

Since 1988, over 30 deaths have been reported from the fall of ice shards. The glacier is an ever-changing natural phenomenon, and its movements are extremely hard to predict.

12.  Some consider Perito Moreno the 8th wonder of the world. 

Due to its spectacular views and composition, some consider Perito Moreno the 8th Natural Wonder of the World. Whether or not it is the 8th Wonder, there is no argument that it is an eye-catching natural formation that we all hope will be around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

The best time to visit is spring/summer, mid-September to mid-April.

I hope you enjoyed these 12 fascinating facts about the Perito Moreno Glacier. Safe travels, no matter where the road may lead you.

XOXO

Marla

Resources: www.antarticicefields.org and www.peritomorenoglacier.com